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Where Data Shapes Leadership Strategy

STEM MBA

Redefine Leadership with Data-Driven Expertise

The STEM MBA at the University of St. Thomas prepares you to lead at the intersection of business strategy and advanced analytics. Designed for professionals ready to tackle complex challenges, this program equips you to make data-informed decisions and drive innovations in industries like technology, finance, health care, and consulting.

With a curriculum that blends core business and management principles with advanced technical expertise, you’ll master areas like statistical analysis, machine learning, and database modeling. These technical capabilities, paired with leadership development, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning, will position you to lead teams, influence decisions, and deliver tangible results in competitive markets.

With the STEM designation, this MBA opens doors to high-demand fields and long-term career growth. International students may also qualify for up to 36 months of OPT, as compared to 12 months for students in non-STEM degree programs, providing extended opportunities for hands-on experience.

Why Earn a STEM MBA?

The STEM MBA at St. Thomas prepares students to lead in industries where technology powers business decisions. Employers value its focus on analytical expertise, strategic insight, and the integration of technology and business.

Accelerated Job Growth

STEM roles are on the rise, with jobs requiring advanced analytical and technical expertise projected to grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033. A STEM MBA prepares graduates for leadership positions in these high-growth areas, ensuring long-term career security.

High Demand for Leadership

Companies increasingly seek leaders who can bridge the gap between technical teams and executive strategy. A STEM MBA positions graduates as essential decision-makers in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare, where data-driven leadership is critical to success.

Competitive Salary Potential

STEM MBA graduates enter the workforce with a significant salary advantage, earning an average starting salary of $125,000. This reflects the premium employers place on professionals who combine technical skills with business expertise.

STEM MBA Advantage for International Students

The STEM MBA designation offers international students the opportunity to work in their field in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation through Optional Practical Training (OPT). This includes a 24-month extension beyond the standard 12 months for F-1 visa students, giving you more time to gain meaningful experience, build your career, and make an impact.

Program Overview

  • Pace and Format
  • Curriculum
  • Classroom Experience
  • Admissions Requirements
  • Pace and Format

    You Control Your Pace

    • Flexible duration: Finish in 2 years or take up to 7 while you balance your professional and personal life
    • Average years to complete: 3 years
    • Courses scheduled across 4 terms (Fall, J-Term, Spring, and Summer)
    • Weeknight classes: typically, Monday-Thursday, 6-9 pm

    You Choose Your Format

    Having the flexibility to choose your preferred learning format as you go will help you earn your MBA in the way that works best for you.

    • 100% Online
    • In-person
    • A mix of both

    Curriculum

    The STEM MBA consists of 45 semester hours, including 40.5 credits of core courses that establish a solid foundation in business and analytics. The remaining 4.5 elective credits let you customize your degree with courses in business, software, or engineering to suit your career aspirations. Core and elective courses can be completed in any sequence, giving you the flexibility to design your path.

    Required Core Courses - 40.5 credits

    • MBA core courses: 19.5 credits
    • 1 statistics course: 3 credits
    • 2 software engineering courses: 6 credits
    • 4 business analytics courses: 12 credits

    Electives - 4.5 credits

    • Choose from graduate-level business, software, and engineering courses
    STEM MBA Curriculum

    Classroom Experience

    Focus on Current Issues

    Data drives modern business, shaping strategies and decisions across industries. In courses like Introduction to Business Analytics and Data Narratives, you’ll master the skills to interpret data, communicate insights, and integrate analytics into decision-making—preparing you to lead in a world where data defines success.

    Leadership Development

    Beyond technical skills, the STEM MBA emphasizes personal and professional growth. You’ll build critical leadership skills like influencing decisions, managing teams, and driving innovation—honed through real-world applications and courses such as Leading Self & Others. This program empowers you to lead with confidence, strategy, and purpose in a data-driven world.

    Hands-On Learning with Applied Focus

    Grounded in a strong theoretical foundation in analytics and management science, the STEM MBA emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. In courses like the Applied Business Practicum, you’ll collaborate with industry partners to solve real business challenges. This approach allows you to apply technical and strategic skills to create data-driven solutions while gaining valuable experience in client management and problem-solving.

    Industry Connections and Personalized Support

    The STEM MBA connects you to Twin Cities companies leading in technology, healthcare, and finance, offering unparalleled networking opportunities. With personalized mentorship and career coaching, you’ll receive the guidance needed to define your career goals, build key relationships, and secure leadership roles that align with your ambitions.

    Admissions Requirements

    It’s OK if you don’t know business

    The STEM MBA welcomes students from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, from experienced professionals advancing their careers to international students building foundational skills. Whether you’re a manager seeking technical expertise or a technical professional enhancing leadership skills, the program fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.

    We believe that varied experiences are essential to a rich learning environment. With students from engineering, computer science, and beyond, our program thrives on the power of authentic collaboration and unique viewpoints to inspire success.

    Some Work Experience is Ideal

    We are seeking candidates with at least 2 years of work experience. Prior experience allows you to connect the business concepts discussed in class with real-life scenarios you have been involved with professionally. You’ll also benefit from practical experiences of your classmates and participate in classroom discussions and case studies.

    Application items

    Via our Online Applicant portal, you will submit:

    • Current resume with at least two years of work experience
    • Answers to three essay questions
    • Official Transcript(s) from your undergraduate and other graduate degrees

    The STEM MBA welcomes new students at the start of fall, spring and summer semester.

    STEM MBA Admissions Process, Requirements, and Tuition

    Pace and Format

    You Control Your Pace

    • Flexible duration: Finish in 2 years or take up to 7 while you balance your professional and personal life
    • Average years to complete: 3 years
    • Courses scheduled across 4 terms (Fall, J-Term, Spring, and Summer)
    • Weeknight classes: typically, Monday-Thursday, 6-9 pm

    You Choose Your Format

    Having the flexibility to choose your preferred learning format as you go will help you earn your MBA in the way that works best for you.

    • 100% Online
    • In-person
    • A mix of both

    Curriculum

    The STEM MBA consists of 45 semester hours, including 40.5 credits of core courses that establish a solid foundation in business and analytics. The remaining 4.5 elective credits let you customize your degree with courses in business, software, or engineering to suit your career aspirations. Core and elective courses can be completed in any sequence, giving you the flexibility to design your path.

    Required Core Courses - 40.5 credits

    • MBA core courses: 19.5 credits
    • 1 statistics course: 3 credits
    • 2 software engineering courses: 6 credits
    • 4 business analytics courses: 12 credits

    Electives - 4.5 credits

    • Choose from graduate-level business, software, and engineering courses
    STEM MBA Curriculum

    Classroom Experience

    Focus on Current Issues

    Data drives modern business, shaping strategies and decisions across industries. In courses like Introduction to Business Analytics and Data Narratives, you’ll master the skills to interpret data, communicate insights, and integrate analytics into decision-making—preparing you to lead in a world where data defines success.

    Leadership Development

    Beyond technical skills, the STEM MBA emphasizes personal and professional growth. You’ll build critical leadership skills like influencing decisions, managing teams, and driving innovation—honed through real-world applications and courses such as Leading Self & Others. This program empowers you to lead with confidence, strategy, and purpose in a data-driven world.

    Hands-On Learning with Applied Focus

    Grounded in a strong theoretical foundation in analytics and management science, the STEM MBA emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. In courses like the Applied Business Practicum, you’ll collaborate with industry partners to solve real business challenges. This approach allows you to apply technical and strategic skills to create data-driven solutions while gaining valuable experience in client management and problem-solving.

    Industry Connections and Personalized Support

    The STEM MBA connects you to Twin Cities companies leading in technology, healthcare, and finance, offering unparalleled networking opportunities. With personalized mentorship and career coaching, you’ll receive the guidance needed to define your career goals, build key relationships, and secure leadership roles that align with your ambitions.

    Admissions Requirements

    It’s OK if you don’t know business

    The STEM MBA welcomes students from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, from experienced professionals advancing their careers to international students building foundational skills. Whether you’re a manager seeking technical expertise or a technical professional enhancing leadership skills, the program fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.

    We believe that varied experiences are essential to a rich learning environment. With students from engineering, computer science, and beyond, our program thrives on the power of authentic collaboration and unique viewpoints to inspire success.

    Some Work Experience is Ideal

    We are seeking candidates with at least 2 years of work experience. Prior experience allows you to connect the business concepts discussed in class with real-life scenarios you have been involved with professionally. You’ll also benefit from practical experiences of your classmates and participate in classroom discussions and case studies.

    Application items

    Via our Online Applicant portal, you will submit:

    • Current resume with at least two years of work experience
    • Answers to three essay questions
    • Official Transcript(s) from your undergraduate and other graduate degrees

    The STEM MBA welcomes new students at the start of fall, spring and summer semester.

    STEM MBA Admissions Process, Requirements, and Tuition

    How Long Will It Take?

    Use these sample degree plans to get an idea of the pace that works best for you. Click here to find the Academic Calendar.

    Year 1: 22.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Leading Self & Others
    Statistical Methods for Decision-Making
    Marketing Frameworks

    J-term
    Elective

    Spring term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Competitive Strategy
    Business Ethics Foundations

    Summer term
    Financial Accounting
    Data Narratives

    Year 2: 22.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Introduction to Business Analytics
    Operations Strategy
    Managerial Economics

    J-term
    Elective

    Spring term
    Financial Management
    Applied Business Practicum
    Data Life Cycle for Analytics

    Summer term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Legal Strategy
    Entrepreneurial Thinking

    Year 1: 22.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Leading Self & Others
    Statistical Methods for Decision-Making
    Marketing Frameworks

    J-term
    Elective

    Spring term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Competitive Strategy
    Business Ethics Foundations

    Summer term
    Financial Accounting
    Data Narratives

    Year 2: 22.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Introduction to Business Analytics
    Operations Strategy
    Managerial Economics

    J-term
    Elective

    Spring term
    Financial Management
    Applied Business Practicum
    Data Life Cycle for Analytics

    Summer term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Legal Strategy
    Entrepreneurial Thinking

    Year 2: 15 Credits

    Fall term
    Introduction to Business Analytics
    Operations Strategy
    Managerial Economics

    Spring term
    Data Life Cycle for Analytics
    Financial Accounting

    Summer term
    Legal Strategy
    Entrepreneurial Thinking

    Year 3: 12 Credits

    Fall term
    Marketing Frameworks
    Financial Management

    J-term
    Elective

    Spring term
    Applied Business Practicum
    Software Engineering Requirement

    Year 1: 18 Credits

    Fall term
    Leading Self & Others
    Statistical Methods for Decision-Making

    J-term
    Elective

    Spring term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Competitive Strategy
    Business Ethics Foundations

    Summer term
    Data Narratives

    Year 2: 15 Credits

    Fall term
    Introduction to Business Analytics
    Operations Strategy
    Managerial Economics

    Spring term
    Data Life Cycle for Analytics
    Financial Accounting

    Summer term
    Legal Strategy
    Entrepreneurial Thinking

    Year 3: 12 Credits

    Fall term
    Marketing Frameworks
    Financial Management

    J-term
    Elective

    Spring term
    Applied Business Practicum
    Software Engineering Requirement

    Year 1: 12 Credits

    Fall term
    Leading Self & Others
    Statistical Methods for Decision-Making

    Spring term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Competitive Strategy
    Business Ethics Foundations

    Year 2: 12 Credits

    Fall term
    Introduction to Business Analytics
    Operations Strategy
    Managerial Economics

    Spring term
    Data Life Cycle for Analytics
    Financial Accounting

    Year 3: 10.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Marketing Frameworks
    Elective

    Spring term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Legal Strategy
    Entrepreneurial Thinking

    Year 4: 10.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Financial Management
    Elective

    Spring term
    Data Narratives
    Applied Business Practicum

    Year 1: 12 Credits

    Fall term
    Leading Self & Others
    Statistical Methods for Decision-Making

    Spring term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Competitive Strategy
    Business Ethics Foundations

    Year 2: 12 Credits

    Fall term
    Introduction to Business Analytics
    Operations Strategy
    Managerial Economics

    Spring term
    Data Life Cycle for Analytics
    Financial Accounting

    Year 3: 10.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Marketing Frameworks
    Elective

    Spring term
    Software Engineering Requirement
    Legal Strategy
    Entrepreneurial Thinking

    Year 4: 10.5 Credits

    Fall term
    Financial Management
    Elective

    Spring term
    Data Narratives
    Applied Business Practicum

    Featured Courses

    Data Narratives

    Data Narratives

    Why do some data insights lead to action while others fall flat? In Data Narratives, you’ll learn to transform raw data into compelling stories that drive decisions. From crafting executive summaries to designing dashboards, this course equips you with the tools to bridge analytics and business strategy, ensuring your insights make an impact.

    Leading Self & Others

    Leading Self & Others

    Effective leadership starts from within. In this course, you’ll develop self-awareness and the ability to inspire others. Explore team dynamics, influence strategies, and the principles of ethical leadership. By the end, you’ll be ready to lead with confidence, even in the most complex organizations.

    Competitive Strategy

    Competitive Strategy

    Want to think like a strategist? This course puts you in the driver’s seat, teaching you how to analyze industries, outmaneuver competitors, and build sustainable advantages. With hands-on tools and frameworks, you’ll learn how to tackle strategic challenges in any organization.

    Applied Business Practicum

    Applied Business Practicum

    Your STEM MBA journey culminates in this real-world capstone experience. Partnering with actual clients, you’ll tackle high-stakes business problems using your analytics expertise. Work in teams, manage projects, and deliver actionable insights that make a difference—because the best way to lead is by doing.

    Find the Right Fit for Your Goals

    Finding the right program is a big decision, and we're here to make it easier. Use the chart below to compare the Part-time Flex MBA, STEM MBA, and MS in Business Analytics, and find the program that fits your goals and schedule.

    Part-time Flex MBA STEM MBA MS in Business Analytics
    Total Credit Hours 45 45 30
    Time to Complete 2 years or take up to a maximum of 7 years 2 years or take up to a maximum of 7 years 16 months or up to a maximum of 5 years
    Minimum Required Work Experience

    2 years (recommended)

    2 years (recommended)

    1 year of professional work and/or internship experience (recommended)

    STEM Designation

    No

    Yes (OPT eligible for international students)

    Yes (OPT eligible for international students)

    Career Focus

    Flexible leadership roles across diverse industries

    Strategic leadership positions in STEM-focused industries such as technology, engineering, and finance

    Analytics-focused roles like data analyst, business analyst, or analytics consultant, driving insights and decision-making in any industry

    Emphasis Area

    Ability to specialize with 50+ electives and graduate certificates in areas such as accounting, digital marketing, finance, and more

    Ability to specialize with elective courses from graduate business, software, and engineering 

    Ability to specialize in supply chain management, marketing analytics, data warehousing, health care analytics, Lean Six Sigma, and more

    Global Requirement

    Yes - a short-term (7 to 12 days) study abroad program or on-campus course with a global component

    No 

    No

    Practicum Requirement (Capstone Project)

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    Tuition

    $1,410​ per credit
    $63,450 total program cost

    $1,410​ per credit
    $63,450 total program cost

    $1,410​ per credit
    $42,300 total program cost

    Get in Touch

    St. Thomas Opus College of Business is an incredible place to learn, network, meet inspiring peers and mentors, and build a strong career path. Don't just take our word for it—experience Opus firsthand. Visit a class, attend an info session, or chat with the admissions team.